Dog groomer hangs out shingle in Burgettstown

October 14, 2012

BURGETTSTOWN - Wellsburg native Sherri Dolan said she always has enjoyed working with animals.

Dolan, who has opened a new dog grooming business at 1100 Steubenville Pike, grew up around chickens, ducks, quail, horses and dogs at her family's home on Rabbit Hill Road.

"I'm really a pet person," she said. "It's nice to go to work every day and love what you do."

Article Photos

FURRY FRIENDS — Sherri Dolan, owner of Bath and Doggie Works, sits with her dogs, Maggie and Darby, and Diamond, a visiting pooch, in the waiting area of her new dog grooming business in Burgettstown. -- Warren Scott

Dolan said she takes pride in pleasing not only her clients but the dogs themselves. She often senses a different attitude in the canines when they have been washed and neatly trimmed, she said.

"A customer once commented, that's the best his dog ever looked. I'm very proud of that," Dolan said.

Her services include trimming hair and nails, shaving their pads, bathing the dogs, applying conditioner and cleaning and plucking their ears.

Dolan is available Monday through Saturday at various hours, including evenings. Appointments may be made by calling (304) 374-7430.

A Weirton resident, Dolan is pleased her new location is less than a half-hour from Steubenville, Weirton and much of Brooke County.

Located a short distance from the Pennsylvania Route 18 exit off U.S. Route 22, it's beside a Curves fitness center and behind the Grab 'n' Go, with ample parking.

Dolan also is very happy with the abundance of space provided by the location. The waiting area is decorated with flowers and light colors, designed to resemble upscale dog grooming places but without the high prices, she said.

Dolan said area residents can get to know her and have a little fun by bringing their pet dogs and cats for a Halloween-themed event from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 27. Pet owners are encouraged to dress their dogs and cats in costumes for a parade and prizes will be given to the best costumes in five size categories: toy, small, medium, large and extra large.

The event also will include a Chinese auction and treats for all pets.

Potential clients also can look for her on Facebook at Sherri Hilt Dolan.

Before opening the Burgettstown shop, Dolan operated a Hooverson Heights location for a few years. Before that, she was manager for a major pet store chain.

She was serving the Air Force near Boise, Idaho, when she saw a groomer working in a pet store.

"I knew right then and there that was what I wanted to do," said Dolan.

After attending the Paragon School of Grooming in Michigan, where she received certification, and following an eight-and-a-half-year stint in the Air Force, she became a salon manager at a pet supply store in Western Pennsylvania before deciding to branch out on her own.